2023 Internal Trainer Certification Course

November 7 – 28

Provide Your Company’s Leadership Team with the Support They Need

Internal Trainer Certification Course (ITCC) participants explore adult education methodologies and develop group-centered facilitation skills to support their EFI leadership team as well as ongoing implementation of the EFI program. Once certified, internal trainers are equipped to provide effective, ongoing training across the workforce. Certified growers with one or more internal trainers on staff can maintain compliance with EFI Standards, while reducing training costs and promoting a culture of communication, collaboration, and continuous improvement throughout their operations.

Course Format and Dates:

Remote ITCC Online live sessions with EFI facilitators are coupled with offline sessions with the company’s leadership team designed to reinforce skills acquisition. As a final step for certification, individual participants will successfully complete a Final Assessment process which includes delivering supervised training to their team.

Enrollment begins: August 14, 2023. Registration closes: October 27, 2023.

Online live modules (24 hours total):   These sessions cover participatory facilitation and adult education methodologies, EFI’s complete Leadership Team training curriculum, and approaches to designing and planning sessions tailored to each company, team, and unique workforce. Four 6-hour modules will be delivered November 7, 9, 21, and 28, 2023.  Practicum with the Leadership Team (6 hours total): Each participant will hold two practice sessions with their team—one each training week—to apply acquired skills. Participants will plan the content of each practice session in coordination with EFI facilitators and based on their company’s and team’s specific priorities. Individual support sessions:  EFI facilitators will coordinate individually with participants as they prepare for the Final Assessment.  These sessions are intended to reinforce skills associated with creating an effective agenda, selecting appropriate activities and methodologies, and time management, among others. Final assessment (10 hours total):  After completing the course modules, each participant will deliver eight hours of training to the Leadership Team on topics drawn from the training curriculum. Multiple candidates at a single location may cofacilitate sessions for their final assessment. EFI facilitators will supervise, support, and offer feedback to candidates throughout the assessment process. Please note that during the initial online training, participants will be provided a sign-up list of available dates in December and January for their individual final assessment. In order to receive EFI certification, each candidate will be required to schedule and complete their final assessment before January 31, 2024.   Candidates who do not complete the assessment within this time frame will be required to arrange an appropriate refresher process with EFI in order to complete the certification and will be responsible for any additional costs.

Tuition First participant: $3000  Additional participants from the same company: $2500 each

 

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What is included

• Training materials (electronic).
• Remote support for onsite practicums with the Leadership Teams.
• Individualized supervision and support for the individual final assessment.
• Ongoing support, mentoring and professional development opportunities.
• EFI Internal Trainer Certificate, which authorizes certified trainers to perform specific key activities under the EFI Standards during the certification cycle.

Registration Requirements

Internal Trainer Candidates must:

• Be currently employed by an EFI certified operation, or an operation with a trained Leadership Team that is actively pursuing certification.
• Have participated in an EFI-facilitated Leadership Team training or work directly and actively with the EFI Program or Leadership Team.  Applicants who do not meet these criteria will be considered on a case by cases basis following an interview with EFI staff.
• People who feel comfortable delivering training in Spanish and/or English, as applicable. Companies with bilingual teams should consider sending bilingual employees or may send at least one Spanish and one English speaker to the course (Questions? Let us know!)

We strongly encourage the participation of qualified non-management employees.

• Be available to participate fully in all online and offline course modules and complete the final assessment before January 31, 2024.
• Have access to a stable internet connection and a computer with a working camera, speakers and microphone.
• Complete the registration form and tuition payment in full by October 27, 2023.

Internal Trainer (IT) Responsibilities

EFI-certified internal trainers play a valuable role in their company by providing ongoing development to Leadership Teams and supporting compliance with EFI certification. Each company’s managers and training candidates should read the following information carefully and let us know if there are any questions.

Annual renewal:

Following initial certification, ITs must update their trainer certification annually by participating in at least one EFI-sponsored professional development seminar. These remote seminars will be offered periodically throughout the year, with a time commitment ranging from four to six hours duration.

Leadership Team refresher training and support under the EFI Standards:

ITs have a key role in ensuring that the Leadership Team maintains compliance with the relevant EFI Standards. Internal Trainers are required to provide at least 12 hours of refresher training for the entire team during each annual audit cycle. These sessions should cover relevant topics in the EFI training manual, as prioritized by the team and the company. Internal Trainers may also provide additional training and support as needed to integrate new team members, address priority issues or challenges, and ensure the entire team is up to date prior to the next audit.

IT reporting requirements and Leadership Team attestation:

The EFI Standards establish minimums or thresholds for team composition and training. In order to provide the required Attestation of Leadership Team compliance prior to each audit, EFI will review training records and other information provided by the ITs, the team, and other staff. Internal trainers, in conjunction with managerial staff, should contact EFI directly with questions concerning their team’s compliance during the audit cycle (See EFI Social Standards, Guidance and Interpretations | Version: 2.1 Page 1).

• Training records must be submitted prior to the next audit and include the following information:
• Dates and agenda for each training
• Attendance list
• Brief narrative including training objectives and outcomes (key learnings, challenges)
• Photos

Annual IT check-in meeting:

ITs will be asked to meet once a year with EFI staff to share updates and challenges in their work with the Leadership Team, their own personal achievements, and any additional support or development needs.

(This is separate from EFI’s annual check in with Leadership Teams prior to issuing the Attestation).

Registration

Registration should be completed by October 27, 2023 (but we encourage you to register early as space will fill up!). Payment should be received no later than November 3, 2023, to ensure your space and materials for the course.

Register using the form below. Your registration confirmation will include a receipt that can be printed with information about payment via ACH electronic transfer* (United States only), Wire* (International Only), or Check.

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